Polyphylla mescalerensis

Young, 1988

Polyphylla mescalerensis is a of scarab beetle described by Young in 1988. It belongs to the Polyphylla, commonly known as lined June beetles, which are characterized by large body size, fan-like in males, and strong attraction to lights. The species is known from sand dune in southeastern New Mexico and adjacent areas, where it was first collected at Mescalero Sand Dunes. Like other Polyphylla species, males likely use their enlarged antennae to detect female .

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Polyphylla mescalerensis: /ˌpɒlɪˈfɪlə ˌmɛskəˈlɛrɛnsɪs/

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Identification

Distinguished from other Polyphylla by geographic range and association with the Mescalero Sand Dunes region. Males have the characteristic enlarged, fan-like with elongated antennomeres typical of the , used for detecting female . The 'mescalerensis' refers to the Mescalero Sand Dunes, the type locality. Females are likely flightless or rarely collected, as is typical for sand-dwelling Polyphylla species.

Habitat

Sand dune , specifically the Mescalero Sand Dunes and similar sandy in southeastern New Mexico and west Texas.

Distribution

Known from the Mescalero Sand Dunes in southeastern New Mexico (type locality) and adjacent sand dune areas in west Texas. GBIF records indicate presence in New Mexico, USA and Chihuahua, Mexico.

Seasonality

activity has been observed in June. Like other Polyphylla , males are attracted to lights after dusk and cease activity shortly to several hours after sunset.

Behavior

Males are attracted to blacklights and ultraviolet light sources after sunset. Males fly with a loud, buzzing sound and have been observed holding their fan-like splayed out when actively searching for females, a used to detect female at low concentrations. Activity is and temperature-dependent, with males becoming inactive after sunset.

Human Relevance

Of interest to coleopterists and entomologists studying sand dune fauna. The type series was collected by researchers targeting dune-adapted insects.

Similar Taxa

Polyphylla monahansensisAnother sand dune-inhabiting Polyphylla found in similar west Texas ; larger in size
Polyphylla pottsorumSmaller sand dune Polyphylla sympatric in west Texas dunes; distinguished by size
Polyphylla hammondiAnother large Polyphylla with similar male antennal structure and light-attracted , but found in more northern Great Plains sand dunes
Polyphylla decemlineataTen-lined June beetle with similar and , but with distinct elytral markings and broader distribution